Do I need down imaging or side imaging sonar?

Down and side imaging give a more photo-like picture of structure and cover, which helps locate fish-holding spots, while traditional CHIRP sonar is simpler and cheaper. In this pool, models like the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv and Striker 7SV add SideVu/ClearVu scanning, and the Humminbird Helix 5 DI variant adds down imaging. If you mostly fish open water or want the lowest cost, a CHIRP-only unit may be sufficient.